Class A Registration

Class A Registration

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Welcome to the Special Olympics Illinois Class A Registration

The Class A Registration process is divided into two parts: Protective Behavior Training and Concussion Training. Class A Registration was created as a way to protect athletes, volunteers, and the integrity of Special Olympics Illinois. This application process is required for all volunteers who have close contact with athletes or who handle the financial assets of Special Olympics Illinois. This includes coaches, chaperones, Unified Partners, staff and committee members.

If you are just interested in volunteering with Special Olympics Illinois at an event you do not need to fill out this application. Instead, please visit our Volunteer Events Page, pick an event from the list and select "Click Here to Register" at the bottom of the event page.

If you continue with this application you will be subject to a background check and will be held to Special Olympics Illinois Volunteer Guidelines. When you are ready to begin the online application process please select "Next" below to start.

Spanish version - available for download below only:(click next below to fill out English form online)

Welcome to the Special Olympics Illinois Class A Registration and on-line Protective Behaviors and Concussion training process.

The goal of this presentation is prevention of sexual abuse of Special Olympics athletes. It also addresses physical and emotional abuse.

After you finish, you will be directed to a Confirmation Form to fill out and submit. Once you click submit, both you and Special Olympics Illinois will receive confirmation that you have taken the test. Then you will be redirected to take the online Concussion Training.

Please note that both new applications and renewals require you to take BOTH Protective Behaviors and Concussion training.

Please select the age group you belong to.
If you are turning 18 in the next 3 months please select 18 or older.

What is your affiliation to Special Olympics Illinois or your purpose for completing this application? This includes affiliation through a school district, park district, group home, etc. It does not include familial relationships or general volunteerism.*

Coach

Chaperone

Unified Partner

Committee Member

Young Athletes Coach

No Affiliation

Other

STOP if you are under the age of 13 and are not a Unified Partner you do not need to fill out a Class A form or take the Protective Behavior or Concussion test.

Please describe your affiliation:*

STOP

Please select a valid affiliation. This application is only necessary for volunteers who work closely with Special Olympics athletes or finances. If you are unsure if you need to complete this application please contact your local Area Director

If you are looking to volunteer the day of an event there is a separate registration process. To sign up for an event go to our Volunteer Events page, pick an event from the list and select "Click Here to Register" at the bottom of the event page.

Personal Information

Full Legal Name*

FirstLast

Address*

Street AddressAddress Line 2CityStateZIP Code

Emergency Contact Name*

Emergency Contact Phone*

Health/Accident Company*

put none if uninsured

Policy #*

put none if uninsured

Gender*

Male

Female

Date of Birth*

Phone*

Email*

**IMPORTANT** Please use a VALID email address unique to yourself, not an agency email, your background check link will be sent to this email. We will not be able to finish processing your application without this.

Enter EmailConfirm Email

*

I verify that the above email address is unique to myself and will be used for communication regarding my background check and application status. I will also add TheAdvocates@VerifiedVolunteers.com to my email safe list.

You can NOT become a coach with Special Olympics Illinois if you use illegal drugs. Please make sure you chose the correct selection. If you do use illegal drugs stop here as your application is finished.

Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offense?*

Yes

No

Have you ever been charged with neglect, abuse or assault?*

Yes

No

Has your drivers license been suspended or revoked in any state, for moving violations within the last seven years?*

Yes

No

This does NOT prevent you from volunteering. If yes, then I agree NOT to serve as a volunteer driver for Special Olympics Illinois. This includes driving for Special Olympics to, from and during all sanctioned events.

Drivers License # (optional)

if you do not have/enter a drivers license then a driving restriction will be placed on your record.

Drivers License State

Please list two NON-FAMILY MEMBER REFERENCES and their contact information. By providing these references I am authorizing Special Olympics Illinois to contact them in reference to my volunteer application.

Reference 1*

NameRelationshipPhone Number

Reference 2*

NameRelationshipPhone Number

Unified Partner Waiver*

Please Read before agreeing:

In consideration of participating in Special Olympics Unified Sports®, I represent that I understand the nature of the event and that I (and/or my minor child) am (are/is) qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in Unified Sports® events. I fully understand the event involves risks of serious bodily injury which may be caused by my own actions or inactions, by the actions of others participating in the event, or by conditions in which the event takes place. I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and/or damages I (and/or my minor child) may incur as a result of my (and/or my minor child's) participation. I acknowledge that at any time that if I (we) feel that the event conditions are unsafe; I (and/or my minor child) will discontinue participation immediately.

If during my participation in Special Olympics activities I should need emergency medical treatment and I (and/or my minor child) am (are/is) not able to give my consent for or make my own arrangements for that treatment because of my injuries, I authorize Special Olympics to take whatever measures are necessary to protect my health and well-being, including, if necessary, hospitalization.

I (and/or my minor child) release, indemnify, covenant not to sue, and hold harmless Special Olympics, its administrators, directors, agents, officers, volunteers, employees, and other Unified Sports® participants, and sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, any owners and lessors of premises on which the activity takes place from all liability, any losses, claims (other than that of the medical accident benefit), demands, costs, or damages that I (and/or my minor child) may incur as a result of participation in Unified Sports® events and further agree that if, despite this 'Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement,' I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releases, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the Releases from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage or cost which may incur as a result of such claim.

I have read this 'Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement' and fully understand it.

By checking this box I agree to the above.

Class A Waiver 18 and Older*

Please Read before agreeing:

I affirm under penalty of perjury, that all answers are truthful and understand that Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) may refuse to allow me to volunteer if I provided incorrect information or withheld information;

I give permission for SOILL to obtain information relating to my criminal history records including arrest and conviction data, plea bargains and deferred adjudications;

I understand and acknowledge that as long as I remain a volunteer with SOILL, the criminal history checks will be repeated every three years;

The relationship between SOILL and volunteers is an "at will" arrangement and it may be terminated at any time, without reason or cause by either party;

I grant SOILL and Special Olympics, Inc. permission to use my likeness, voice and words in or on television, radio, film, websites or in any form, format or media to promote Special Olympics, its mission and to raise funds for Special Olympics;

I waive, release and discharge SOILL, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents and representatives from any liability for all damages of whatever kind or nature that may result in connection with SOILL conducting criminal history checks on me;

I will notify SOILL of all changes to the information provided on this original form.

By checking this box I agree to the above.

Class A Waiver Under 18*

Please Read before agreeing:

I affirm under penalty of perjury, that all answers are truthful and understand that Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) may refuse to allow me to volunteer if I provided incorrect information or withheld information;

The relationship between SOILL and volunteers is an "at will" arrangement and it may be terminated at any time, without reason or cause by either party;

I grant SOILL and Special Olympics, Inc. permission to use my likeness, voice and words in or on television, radio, film, websites or in any form, format or media to promote Special Olympics, its mission and to raise funds for Special Olympics;

You are required to take the Protective Behaviors and Concussion training in order to be certified as a Class A volunteer with Special Olympics Illinois. Please click on the next button below to continue with the training.

STOP, you are not required to take Protective Behaviors and Concussion training until you are 16 years of age. Your Class A will expire when you turn 16 if you have not taken this training though, therefore, if you will be turning 16 soon it is advisable to take the training now.

How to Recognize Abuse

Changes in behavior may offer the only visible clue that an athlete is the victim of abuse. Abuse causes stress and victims often exhibit stress related behavior such as:

Depression

Withdrawal (including loss of interest in participation in Special Olympics)

Thoughts of or attempts at suicide

Aggression

Immature acts

Sleep disturbances

Uncharacteristic changes in behavior that last for more than a few days indicate a possible need for intervention, but are not a certain indicator of abuse as there are other causes of stress. The absence of behavioral indicators does not indicate a lack of abuse

How to Recognize Abuse

Statements by the athlete concerning inappropriate touching or physical harm

Physical indicators of abuse such as:

Questionable injuries such as bruises or lacerations in the soft tissue areas of an athlete’s body. Bruises change color during the healing process and bruises of different colors indicate different stages of healing, thereby indicating that the injuries happened on more than one occasion

Injuries to genital areas may indicate sexual abuse; for example, cigarette burns on the inside of the upper leg or on the buttocks

Tether marks or rope burns and abrasions caused by tying wrists, ankles or the neck are also indicators of probable abuse

Some athletes are prone to injuries as a consequence of athletic competition. The location of the injury may indicate whether the injury was due to abuse or competition. Injuries that happen due to athletic competition are most likely to be on the shins, knees, elbows, etc. They are less likely to be on the abdomen, across the back, on the backs of the legs, or on facial cheeks

Am I A Mandatory Reporter Under My State’s Laws?

Nearly all states have laws that require some individuals to report suspected abuse (such as teachers, healthcare providers, etc.)

In some states, everyone is a mandatory reporter

Utilize the Child Welfare Information Gateway website below to familiarize yourself with your state’s reporting requirements. On the site, choose the state that you wish to check and under the "Child Abuse and Neglect" heading, check “Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse & Neglect” and then click “Go”) Child Welfare Information Gateway website

Welcome to the Special Olympics Illinois Concussion on-line training

Understanding Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury- or TBI – caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes your head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. These chemical changes make the brain more vulnerable to further injury. During this window of vulnerability the brain is more sensitive to any increased stress or injury, until it fully recovers.

Unlike other physical injuries, you cannot see a concussion on an x-ray. It is not a “bruise on the brain” but rather a disruption of how the brain works. That is why brain CAT scans and MRIs are normal with most concussions.

A concussion can occur from any type of contact such as colliding with a player, a goalpost, the ground, or another obstacle. Concussion can also occur outside of sports, ranging from bumping your head on a door to being in a car crash. Even what may seem like a mild bump to the head can actually be serious. Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.

Potential Consequences of a Concussion

Concussions affect people differently. While most athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks. A more serious concussion can last for months or longer.

Not giving the brain enough recovery time after a concussion can be dangerous. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first, usually within a short time period (hours, days, weeks) can slow recovery or increase the changes for long-term problems. In rare cases repeat concussion can result in brain swelling or permanent brain damage. It can even be fatal. It is incredibly important for you to pull an athlete from play if you suspect he or she has a concussion.

What to Watch for

Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury. The full effect of the injury may not be noticeable at first and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. If you suspect a concussion, assess the athlete. Then assess the athlete again. Ensure the athlete is supervised for at least one or two hours after. Talk with the athlete’s parent/guardian/caregiver about watching for symptoms at home.

If the signs or symptoms get worse, you need to consider it a medical emergency. In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in an athlete with a concussion and squeeze the brain against the skull.

Call 911 or take the athlete to the emergency room right away if he or she exhibits one or more of the following danger signs:

One pupil larger than the other

Drowsiness or inability to wake up

A headache that gets worse and does not go away

Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination

Repeated vomiting or nausea

Slurred speech

Convulsions or seizures

Inability to recognize people or places

Increasing confusion, restlessness or agitation

Unusual behavior

Loss of consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)

Take Time Out

Resting after a concussion is critical because it helps the brain recover. Ignoring symptoms and proceeding as normal often makes symptoms worse and recovery to take longer. Even activities that involve learning and concentration can cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse.

It’s up to a healthcare professional to determine if an injured athlete’s concussion symptoms have been reduced significantly, and when he or she should slowly and gradually return to daily activities.

The athlete might feel frustrated, sad, or angry about having to sit out. Talk to them about it. Be honest about the risks of getting put back into play too soon. Offer your support and encouragement and remind them that as the days go by they’ll feel better.

Progressive Return to Activity Program

An athlete should return to sports practices under the supervision of an appropriate health care professional. There are five steps to follow to help safely return an athlete to play. These steps should not be completed in one day, but instead over days, weeks, or months.

Light aerobic exercise to increase the athlete’s heart rate. (5 to 10 minutes on an exercise bike, walking, or light jogging). There should be no weight lifting, jumping or hard running.

Reintegrate the athlete in practice sessions, even full contact in controlled practice.

Put athlete back into play.

During each step, monitor the athlete for returning symptoms, including fuzzy thinking and concentration. Report any symptoms to the athlete’s doctor. If an athlete’s symptoms come back, or they exhibit new symptoms with increased activity, stop these activities and take it as a sign that the athlete is pushing him/herself too hard. After additional rest, and an ok from their doctor, the athlete may start over again at Step 1. The athlete should only graduate to the next level of activity if s/he does not experience concussion symptoms.

Concussion Checklist

Pre-Season Checklist
Create a concussion action plan. Have an action plan in place before the season starts to ensure concussions are identified early and managed correctly. Educate athletes, parents/guardians/caregivers and other coaches about concussion. Dedicate a portion of one of the first practices to talk to all parties about the dangers of concussion; potential long-term consequences; and your concerns as well as expectations of safe play. Pass out concussion fact sheets. Remind athletes to immediately tell coaches if they suspect that they or a teammate has a concussion. Continuously make sure your athletes are in good condition to participate.

Mid-season Checklist
Insist that safety comes first. Teach your athletes that it’s not smart to play with a concussion.

7. What is the first thing you should do as a coach when one of your players has sustained a bump or blow to the head or body and isn’t acting right?*

Immediately rush an athlete to the hospital – even if none of the Danger Signs are present.

Allow the athlete to finish out the quarter/period/half, etc. and then take the athlete for a medical examination.

Remove the athlete from play and look for signs or symptoms of a concussion – even those that may appear hours later.

INCORRECT

Correct Answer: It’s incredibly important to pull an athlete from play if you suspect a concussion. When in doubt, sit them out. (please correct answer)

8. Which of the following would be considered Danger Signs of a severe concussion and require rushing an athlete to the emergency room immediately?*

The athlete seems slightly off balance, complains of a headache, did not lose consciousness, but just “isn’t feeling right.”

The athlete lost consciousness, has slightly slurred speech, and seems to become increasingly more confused and restless.

The athlete complains of a headache and appears slightly dazed or stunned.

INCORRECT

Correct Answer: In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in an athlete with a concussion. Loss of consciousness, slurred speech, increased confusion & restlessness are all worsening symptoms warranting immediate medical attention. (please correct answer)

9. When can an athlete return to play after a concussion?*

As soon as they are feeling better.

After being evaluated by a health care professional.

After being cleared by a health care professional and after a five step process in which the athlete’s activity level is slowly increased over a period of days, weeks, or months depending on the athlete’s response to the increasingly challenging activities.

INCORRECT

Correct Answer: Resting after a concussion is critical because it helps the brain recover. This process can take days, weeks or months. Gradual return to physical activity should be monitored.. (please correct answer)

10. When should you talk to the athlete’s parents about the possible concussion he/she may have had?*

The evening of the event or the following day.

Immediately following the game or practice – before allowing the athlete to go home. Information should be given to the parents regarding the signs and symptoms of concussion, encouragement to see a health care professional, and follow-up with parents regarding the status of the athlete.

Before the next game/match/event so as to make sure the athlete is cleared for play.

INCORRECT

Correct Answer: The athlete’s parent/guardian/caretaker should be notified immediately. Some concussion symptoms may not show up for hours or days.

11. How can you help prevent concussion?*

By ensuring that all athletes wear properly fitted gear, play with good sportsmanship at all times, and obey the rules of safety.

By working with parents, athletes, and school and club administrators to spread awareness about concussions all year: pre-season, during the season, and post season.

All of the above

INCORRECT

Correct Answer: All of the above. Having a pro-active approach to safety could diminish potential for concussion.

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